Word Origin & History

Old English swilian, swillan "to wash, gargle," with no certain cognates, but probably from Proto-Germanic *sweljanan, related to the root of swallow (v.). Meaning "drink greedily" is from 1530s. Related: Swilled; swilling.

Example Sentences for swilling

An ould friend, whose hand has rested in my hand, and swilling the floor of a prison!

Another plunge and swilling of water in the pan, and—could he believe his eyes!

There fell Faustus and his company a-drinking and swilling, not of the worst, but of the best.

The horses' mouths are heard, swilling the water out of tubs.

If I were here I should be fighting, instead of swilling wine and idling as do these men.

Putrefaction is easily attained by swilling with cold water.

To the north were booms of logs, swilling in the current, waiting for their devourer.

They are horrid things, for they are never happy but when they are swilling ale.

I expect you've been swilling out that drawer in the heat of your ablutions.